ABC's 'American Idol,' is leaving Los Angeles, in another blow to the industry
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Set us as preferred “American Idol,” is packing up its stars after 25 years in Hollywood.In the latest blow to Los Angeles film production, ABC’s long-running program will move production of its upcoming season to the Atlanta area, according to Fremantle, which produces the show with 19 Entertainment, owned by Sony Pictures Television.Fremantle declined to comment further.The move comes as Los Angeles’ production levels have tumbled, prompting concern from film workers, unions leaders and elected officials who are scrambling to address the crisis.TV production activity in the L.A.
region was down 27% in the second quarter compared to the same period a year ago, largely due to fewer reality TV shoots, according to the nonprofit FilmLA.Earlier this year, another broadcast TV stalwart, Fox’s “The Masked Singer,” made plans to vacate its space on the Fox lot on Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles and head to New Jersey, also in search of more lucrative tax credits.
“American Idol” has been a local economic engine since launching on Fox in 2002.For years, the show ranked as the No.
1 show on TV and employed hundreds of workers each season as aspiring singers hoped for their big break.Hollywood Inc.
HBO Max’s Emmy Award-winning drama has become a much-needed boost for Hollywood after much of the local film and TV industry migrated to regions offering more generous tax rebates.The most recent season originated from Red Studios in Hollywood.Georgia, which has also been struggling from lower production levels, offers generous tax incentives, including up to a 30% tax credit for reality television productions that spend at least $500,000 in the state.This year, in particular, has seen big swings as the California Film and TV Tax Credit program expanded eligibility to include competition shows.
The change resulted in a...